Rapid gas-chromatographic determination of hydrocarbon types by selective absorption and flame ionization detection

A fast one-step technique has been developed for the resolution of hydrocarbons into aromatics, olefines and saturates. The analyser consists of three branches with different capillary restrictions, specific absorbers and delayers, and can be applied to gaseous or liquid samples of hydrocarbons with a boiling point of up to 220°C. The time required for an analysis under optimal conditions is 6 min. The analyser is installed directly in the oven of the gas chromatograph, using a single flame ionisation detector. It was tested by selected hydrocarbons occurring in gasoline in significant amounts in different concentration ranges. Leaded and unleaded commercial gasolines were examined as real samples. The method had been successfully applied to the fast identification of hydrocarbons in the case of fuel spills.